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MacKay encouraged by vision of Island film industry

Posted|October 27, 2015

CHARLOTTETOWN
– Kensington-Malpeque MLA and Economic
Development and Tourism critic Matthew MacKay is encouraged by the vision of the
Island film industry as they look to position themselves to grow this emerging
sector of the Island economy.

MacKay
made his comments following presentations from the industry to the Standing
Committee on Education and Economic Development this
morning.

“The
film industry holds great potential for economic growth,” said MacKay. “The film
industry is environmentally friendly, generates a lot of local economic
spinoffs, attracts new off-Island investment, is export driven, helps raise the
profile of Prince Edward Island, and draws upon the unique creative talents of
Islanders.

”MacKay
noted that the province previously had programs in place to support the film
industry which were abandoned over the last several years and has put the local
industry at a competitive disadvantage. MacKay also pointed out that developing
a sustainable incentive package to grow the Island film industry was something
that the Opposition campaigned on during the recent provincial election and that
the Committee hearings into the industry were as a result of an Opposition
motion during the most recent sitting of the Legislature.

“I thought the film industry made a solid
business case for a modest, sustainable system of incentives to really grow this
emerging industry and create good paying jobs locally that expand our economy.
I’m pleased that there was all party support on the Committee to write the
Premier and Cabinet to say that it supports the ideas put forward in principle
and encourage government to sit down with industry and take those ideas to the
next level,” said MacKay.